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Hi guys, I've been wanting to build something in one of these "Solarforce L2T S.S. Edition[/U]" hosts for a couple of years now, but I've never had the right combination of diode power & wavelength to satisfy what I thought this finished build should look like, till now. :yh:

A while back, I got lucky enough purchase this low wavelength Sharp (GH04850B2G) diode from Paul 1598419.
He spectro'd it at 487nm, so I feel pretty confident that at my fairly conservative setting of 230mA, it's sitting at around 488nm, using Pauls calculations of approximately 1nm gain per 100mW.

Not a lot more to say, as there have been quite a few of these (+,-) 488nm diodes used in builds recently.
So, without any further rambling, here are the particulars of my Sharp 488nm build. :yh:

Components Used For This Build:

Solarforce L2T Stainless Steel Edition Host.

Sharp GH04850B2G Diode @487nm (Paul1598419).

12mm Copper Module (DTR).

"Pico" Driver set at 230mA (Astralist).

Custom Focus Adapter, and Copper Heatsink.

(1) 18650 4..3V Li-Ion Battery.

Dimensions & Weight:

Length = 147.5mm (5.8")

Diameter = 32mm (1.25") Head, 25mm (1.0") Body

Weight w/Battery = 367g (13.0 oz)

Weight w/o Battery = 320g (11.28 oz)

Weight of Copper Heatsink = 124g (4.37 oz)

Measured Power Output:

3 Element Lens = 106mW

G-2 Lens = 131mW

Now for some "in progress" build photos followed by some beautiful 488nm Photons!

Great packaging, a nice sturdy box, with matching sleeve! :yh:

An exploded view of all of the pieces that came in the Solarforce D.I.Y. flashlight kit.

A couple of pics showing the overall high quality of the Solarforce products.

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I think it turned out pretty good too, that S.S. host matched with that wavelength works well!

While taking the photos, I probably had the laser on for over 5 minutes at a time, and the host barely got warm to the touch, without measuring, I'd say maybe body temperature?

The little focus ring has a smaller diameter back half which slides back into the h.s. to support and steady the focus; it's a nice slip fit and you don't really need a spring, although I gave one in there.

I'd love to take a photography class, and have have a better camera, but for now it's just my old Samsung S7 phone camera.

Well-known member

That build looks awesome, Jeff. It turned out to be a sweet looking light blue laser. The copper heat sink was a very nice touch. Your photos of the build and beam shots are top of the notch. I have built several of these for other members using astralist's new Pico driver and with DTR's 520nm AR coated two element lens has no trace of the usual artifacts we see with these Sharp diodes with short focal length aspheres. Congratulations on a superior build. :yh:

Well-known member

That build looks awesome, Jeff. It turned out to be a sweet looking light blue laser. The copper heat sink was a very nice touch. Your photos of the build and beam shots are top of the notch. I have built several of these for other members using astralist's new Pico driver and with DTR's 520nm AR coated two element lens has no trace of the usual artifacts we see with these Sharp diodes with short focal length aspheres. Congratulations on a superior build. :yh:

Yes, I remember the build you made, that just made me want to get at my build even more, but as you can see, I'm just now finally building mine, been a long time coming.
I agree, these are great hosts, as a matter of fact, I've built a few different lasers using various Solarforce hosts, and everyone of them has been a top notch, high quality product.

Well-known member

BTG,
I also have the other SF host with the extension tube in Black. All their hosts are worthy. Even the Single 10440 pens are a treat, I built one also as a EDC pocket ..
I really like the quality of the finished product..

Hi Paul, I made this one, like most of the ones that I end up using in my builds, it's just made of polished aluminum.
The nice thing about this one is that it fits inside the copper heatsink by about 12mm to help steady the focused beam.
You can see the clearance for the focus knob that is cut into the heatsink in the photo of the completed heatsink; the diode module is recessed back into the h.s. to accomodate the focus knob. :yh:

@Rich, I couldn't agree more, they make a nice product! I've got another SF host that I may do a build in, maybe a 462nm.
BTW, I like the host you have your sig., it reminds me of a "Buck Rogers" weapon.